Individual wellness, community wellness, and global wellness cannot happen while there is systemic injustice and harm being perpetrated by people in positions of power. Because Harmonic Wellness is dedicated to promoting community and global wellness through individual health, I stand with the Black Lives Matter movement and support an end to police violence and brutality.
What does this have to do with massage?
Like everyone else, I have many identities. I like to believe that at the intersection of being a human and being a healthcare professional, there is a responsibility to advocate for people who belong to marginalized groups. Individuals in marginalized communities typically face more health problems, and more severe ones, than individuals in more privileged communities. In addition, marginalized people tend to have less access to health care and other types of assistance. This is just one of the systemic issues that puts Black and brown lives more at risk than white lives, and it has always pertained to the industry and field of massage therapy.
In addition to whatever injuries or ailments they may experience in their lives, Black and brown people also endure a physical and mental toll from the effects of racism. Studies have linked racism to depression, anxiety, psychological stress and various other outcomes, as well as poorer general health, in racial minorities in the United States. One study of African-American men showed “racism has been implicated in the onset of several stress-related diseases, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidental injuries, and cirrhosis of the liver.” In addition to instances where a direct correlation between racism and health problems was evident, many more examples demonstrate an indirect correlation. That is, racism affects factors like amount and quality of sleep, diet, interpersonal relationships, and personal safety, which each in turn influence a person’s health.
I cannot maintain an effective massage practice if I do not strive to be a socially aware massage practitioner, which means educating myself about the ways my community members experience negative health factors. Because racism is a negative health factor, I will continue to be vocal about the need for equal rights and opportunities for marginalized individuals.
Why make a political statement?
There are two parts to this question: The idea of making a statement, and the idea that this statement is political.
To the first part: Silence is the language of oppression. It is a position of extreme privilege to know that, no matter what type of backlash or consequence I face from saying I stand with Black Lives Matter–an organization founded on a mission to eradicate white supremacy and counteracting acts of violence against Black people–it will never, ever come close to the level of terror and alienation people of color face in the United States. Why make a statement? Because I can. I am fortunate enough to be able to speak up when I witness injustice, because I am fortunate enough to have a voice AND fortunate enough to experience injustice primarily as a witness and not a target.
To the second part: The notion that advocating for the right to life–specifically Black life–has become a red vs. blue issue is, unfortunately, a symptom of the systemic illness (white supremacy) we are actively trying to eradicate. It is important to salvage the nonpartisan nature of this discussion so we can move forward with ensuring the fundamental right to life.
What actions am I taking?
While Harmonic Wellness is still not operational due to COVID-19, I am using this time to better educate myself on subjects pertaining to race and how the history of racism in the United States has contributed to where we find ourselves today.
I am LISTENING to people of color and honoring their lived experiences.
As much as I am able, I am making monetary contributions to community organizations that are on the front lines of finding solutions to these issues and protecting marginalized people in Thurston County.
My business has always been about education as much as rehabilitation and relief. Therefore, in keeping with the goals and philosophies of Harmonic Wellness, I will be increasing my efforts to make information about self-care and wellness available to all.
When my practice is open again, I will continue to meet the needs of anyone who chooses my services by making cost accommodations, doing outcalls to clients, or expanding my knowledge of pathologies or bodywork modalities to provide even better treatment.
Finally, I extend my deepest thoughts and sympathies to the families of Black individuals murdered at the hands of violent law enforcement officers, as well as all Black and brown people who have experienced the effects of racism. All lives cannot matter until Black lives matter.
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